London 2012 Olympics: security staff can work at Games without UK checking procedures

European Union citizens will be able to work as security guards at the London
Olympics - even if they have only worked in the industry for two years.

Part of the process: a security guard patrols a footpath bridge overlooking the Olympic StadiumPhoto: AP

By Telegraph staff

11:14AM GMT 06 Feb 2012

According to The Times, European residents from 27 member states - which also includes Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein - will be able to work in Britain on a “temporary basis” and without undergoing UK security checking procedures.

To apply for a license from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), British workers must first obtain qualifications before being put under security checks.

However, EU citizens will be able to work at this summer's Olympics and need only to provide evidence of working within the industry for two years in the last decade, as long as they do not have criminal convictions. This includes workers from countries that do not have a security licensing system in place.

Lord Carlile of Berriew, QC, told the newspaper (£) that security workers should only be allowed to work during the Games if they were vetted under similar procedures to Britain's rules.

“It should be a regime which is broadly similar to our own and must include credible checks," he said. "There are countries in which the incorruptibility of licensing regimes are not as strong as they are in the UK.